More than 130 people from other StandBy sites, central Victorian health agencies and emergency services personnel were invited to the launch of the community-based suicide bereavement program.

Bendigo’s Alannah McGregor, who lost both her daughter and son to suicide, officially launched the program.

Mrs McGregor’s work to raise awareness of suicide in the community led to the formation of the Suicide Prevention Awareness Network central Victoria group, which resulted in the establishment of StandBy in Bendigo.

Bendigo Community Health Services’ Jeanette O’Brien will co-ordinate the 24-hour crisis response program. 

Ms O’Brien will work with emergency responders, community agencies and trained professional local crisis response teams to support those bereaved by suicide.

Bendigo Health Community Services chief executive Kim Sykes said Ms O’Brien would start working with community groups to embed the program in the region.

“Jeanette brings a wealth of experience in terms of dealing with people in crisis, most recently in assisting people affected by floods. 

“She also brings incredible common sense, a great heart and great way of engaging with people, which will be crucial in dealing with lots of community partners and services.”

Ms Sykes said the turnout at the launch was evidence of its reach in the community. “We know that for a service like this to operate as effectively as it needs to, it needs to be a community program. 

“It was terrific to see so many people from community groups and people dealing with suicide as part of their work attend today. 

“It shows they are keen to link in and support the program.”

Ms Sykes also thanked the City of Greater Bendigo and the Bendigo Advertiser for their support in establishing the Suicide Preventation Awareness Network and StandBy.

National StandBy co-ordinator Jill Fisher said StandBy was a community-driven program.

“Involving the community is the hallmark of StandBy,” she said. 

“We are excited to see Bendigo and the whole Loddon Mallee area be involved in this program.”